(Press Release)
ATTLEBORO, MA – MJSA Press’s latest title, “Jewelry Metals: A Guide to Working with Common Alloys,” recently earned a bronze medal in the Book/Manual/Catalogue category of the Association TRENDS 2015 All-Media Contest. The contest, held annually to recognize the most creative and effective communications developed by associations over the prior year, received 400 entries in 22 categories.
Published in March of 2015, the 150-page “Jewelry Metals” offers practical insights into all aspects of working with precious and non-precious jewelry metals. It includes advice for easier casting and bench work, tips for managing scrap metal, international marking and stamping regulations, and illustrated step-by-step instruction on a range of metalworking techniques, including mokumé gane, granulation, chasing, and anticlastic raising. Jim Binnion, a recognized master of mokumé gane and owner of James Binnion Metal Arts in Bellingham, Washington, served as technical editor.
Along with the other winners, MJSA will be honored at the 37th Annual Salute to Association Excellence, to be held March 4 in Washington, DC.
“Jewelry Metals” is available from MJSA and distributors for $34.95. MJSA members can order from the association at a special member rate of $29.50. For more information, visit mjsa.org or call 1-800-444-MJSA (6572).
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
